To everyone living in L.A. or is a frequent visitor. How do you escape LAX?
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I didn't find a master plan yet. Tell your Uber driver you’re at Terminal 4. Then watch them complete two full laps of LAX before finding you.
The hassle is real.
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One thing tourists underestimate is how far LAX actually is from where they’re going in terms of time, not miles. If you’re heading to West Hollywood, Downtown, etc., check traffic before deciding what to do.
We are pretty much all waiting for the people mover to be operational. Until then, I keep taking these rental shuttle buses to get out of LAX and then ask a friend to pick me up. Way easier than waiting at LAX.
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That is what I do whenever I visit Los Angeles. It's a very efficient way. The difference is that I have to get a rental car each time. 
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My advice is not to arrive during rush hour. That can make all the difference. I always try to get late or early flights. If you’re traveling alone and not in a hurry, public transit can save a lot of money. If you have several people and luggage, splitting a taxi or rideshare is often worth paying extra for the convenience.
The shuttle buses are cheap and efficient enough to at least get you out of LAX.
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Once the Automated People Mover is here.. the choice will be obvious.
For now, I recommend Uber. Tell your driver to wait for free at the LAX Cell Phone Lot on 96th Street until you have your bags and call them. Don't let your driver wait outside the curb; Airport Police is very strict.
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Taking one of the shuttle buses is still the best option.
For anyone staying near Downtown LA, I’d seriously look into public transportation before paying $60+ for a rideshare. LAX has gotten much better connected to Metro than it used to be, and depending on your destination, it can make sense. Less convenient if you have three suitcases or just got off a 12-hour flight, but if you’re traveling light and trying to save money, it’s worth checking before automatically opening Uber.
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Probably the best advice I've read so far. Timing is the best way to avoid the worst. Nevertheless, it's always a draining experience. I always use the shuttle to the Aviation Green Line station and have never been asked to show a TAP card.
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Yep. Timing is key. The people mover might change how you get out of LAX, but then there is still the traffic.
If your destination is somewhere like Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey or Manhattan Beach, getting out of LAX usually isn’t that terrible because you’re already relatively close. It’s when you’re going across LA that things get interesting. I’d just grab a taxi or rideshare and be done with it, especially if two or three people are splitting the cost. After a long flight, saving $15 isn’t always worth adding another hour and multiple transfers to your trip.
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But once you hit rush hour. 
Even that can take 1-2 hours with getting out of LAX after customs.
2-3 hours or more if you are a tourist like me. 
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The LAX-it Shuttle is probably the best and easiest way. Free of charge, easy and relatively fast. Shuttles arrive every 3 to 5 minutes, so it's very convenient.
My second choice would be one of the cabs.
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Or just any shuttle that arrives. It doesn't really matter too much. Then you get off at the first stop and just order an Uber. That makes it way easier than chasing it at LAX.